and then in afghanistan. i was only able to meet a small sample of those deployed downrange, it was important for me to look them in the eye one last time and let them know how much i care about them and appreciate what they and their families do for our country. looking forward to this moment, i knew it would be difficult to adequately express my feelings for these young men and women. at least in a way that would allow me to get through this speech. yesterday a personal message from me to all of our servicemen and women around the world was published and distributed through military channels. i will just say here that i will think of these young warriors, the ones who fought, the ones who keep on fighting, the ones who never made it back, until the end of my days. as as contemplating this moment, i thought about something becky told me in january of 2005 when i was asked to be the first director of national intelligence. i was wrestling with the decision and finally told her she could make it easier if she